commander
kuh-MAHN-duh
Commander (noun) means a person who leads and directs a military force or unit. Example: “The commander briefed his troops before dawn.”
noun
1
A person who leads and directs a military force or unit.
"The commander briefed his troops before dawn."
"The commander ordered the soldiers to hold their position until help arrived."
"Their commander gave a short speech and then led the unit across the river."
2
A naval officer ranked above lieutenant commander and below captain.
"She was promoted to commander after ten years of service."
"The ship's captain thanked the commander for her careful work during the long voyage."
"As a commander in the navy, he was responsible for a small crew."
3
The person in charge of a group or organization more generally.
"He became commander of the local fire department."
"The new commander of the rescue team trained everyone on the safety rules."
"She is the commander of a volunteer group that patrols the beach."
How to use commander
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who leads or gives orders to a military force, ship, or organized group.
Common pairings
fleet commander
squadron commander
commander in chief
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Word forms
- Plural
- commanders
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The _____ briefed his troops before dawn.
Etymology
From Old French comandeor, from comander ("to command").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for commander
See all rhymes for commander →Frequently asked questions
What does “commander” mean?
The word “commander” means a person who leads and directs a military force or unit. In plain terms, someone who leads or gives orders to a military force, ship, or organized group.
How do you pronounce “commander”?
“Commander” is pronounced kuh-MAHN-duh (/kəˈmændɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “commander” in a sentence?
Here is “commander” used in a sentence: “The commander briefed his troops before dawn.”
What part of speech is “commander”?
“Commander” is a noun.
Where does the word “commander” come from?
The word “commander” comes from Old French. From Old French comandeor, from comander ("to command").
Is “commander” a common word?
“Commander” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “commander” have?
“Commander” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who leads and directs a military force or unit.
Is commander a rank or a role?
It can be both. As a role, a commander is simply the person in charge of any military force or unit, whatever their formal rank. As a specific rank, Commander is a naval officer grade sitting above lieutenant commander and below captain. So the word describes both a job and, in navies, a title.
What is the difference between a commander and a captain?
It depends on context. As roles, both lead forces, and a captain often commands a ship or company. As naval ranks, though, captain is actually higher than commander. Confusingly, the officer in charge of any warship is called its captain regardless of rank, because captain here names the role, not the grade.
What does a commander do?
A commander leads and directs a military force or unit, taking responsibility for its decisions, discipline, and success. This includes planning operations, giving orders, managing personnel and resources, and answering for outcomes. Whether over a small unit or a large formation, the commander holds ultimate authority and accountability for those under their charge.
What is the difference between a commander and a general?
General is a senior army rank held by officers who lead large formations, while commander describes anyone in charge of a force or, in navies, a specific mid-level rank. A general is always a commander of their troops, but not every commander is a general; many lead smaller units at lower ranks.
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